blowing. It looked like a golden eye that the black wintry earth had
opened to look at the sky with.

That very same night, after Diamond had been asleep for a little, he
awoke all at once in the dark.

"Open the window, Diamond," said a voice.

Now Diamond's mother had once more pasted up North Wind's window.

"Are you North Wind?" said Diamond. "I do not hear you blowing."

"No, but you hear me talking. Open the window for I haven't over much
time."

"Yes," said Diamond. "But please, North Wind, where's the use? You left
me all alone last time."

"That was your fault," returned North Wind. "I had work to do and you
kept me waiting."

Diamond was already scratching at the paper like ten mice and, getting
hold of the edge of it, tore it off. The next instant a young girl
glided across the bed and stood on the floor.

"Oh, dear!" said Diamond quite dismayed. "I didn't know--who are you,
please?"

"I am North Wind."